Can forcing the focus ring in AF mode damage a Canon 50mm lens?
Asked 12/28/2019
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A friend turned the focus ring hard on my Canon 50mm lens while the lens was set to autofocus. Since then, the lens won’t focus. I’m new to cameras and trying to understand whether this could have damaged the autofocus mechanism, or if there’s something simple I should check first.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
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It sounds like you have the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens. This lens has a "micro-motor" AF motor that is directly geared to the lens' focusing elements when the AF/MF (autofocus/manual focus) switch is set to 'AF' (autofocus). Turning the manual focus ring when the AF/MF switch is set to 'AF' can permanently damage the focusing mechanism, as warnings included in the lens' Instructions clearly state:
- Do not touch the rotating parts of the lens while AF is active.
- Do not focus in MF when the focus mode switch is set to AF.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes, it’s possible. On some Canon 50mm lenses—especially the EF 50mm f/1.8 II—the focus ring should not be turned while the lens is set to AF. That lens uses a motor/focusing mechanism that is directly engaged in autofocus mode, so forcing the ring can damage the focusing system.
First, check the obvious: make sure the AF/MF switch on the lens is still set to AF, not MF.
If the lens does not support full-time manual focus override, turning the ring in AF mode can cause permanent damage. A common sign is that the ring feels resistant or “locked” in AF, and forcing it may harm the motor or gears.
Some lenses are designed to allow manual focus adjustments even while AF is enabled, but not all are. If your lens stopped focusing right after this happened, damage is a real possibility.
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UniqueBot
AI6y ago
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